Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for determining whether a system clock has been altered, the method comprising the steps of: capturing, with a computer comprising a system clock, an initial system time and an initial counter value when a device is connected to the computer, wherein the initial system time and the initial counter value are based on the system clock; receiving, with the computer, information obtained by the device; capturing, with the computer, a current system time and a current counter value when the information is obtained, wherein the current system time and the current counter value are based on the system clock; determining, with the computer, a first time-calculation representing a difference in time between the initial system time and the current system time; determining, with the computer, a second time-calculation representing a difference between the initial counter value and the current counter value; comparing, with the computer, the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation to determine that a mismatch exists; and determining that the system clock has been altered based on the comparison.
This invention relates to detecting unauthorized alterations to a computer's system clock. The system clock is critical for accurate timekeeping, but it can be tampered with, leading to security and operational issues. The invention provides a method to verify the integrity of the system clock by comparing two time-based measurements. When a device is connected to the computer, the system captures the initial system time and an initial counter value, both derived from the system clock. The computer then receives information from the device and captures the current system time and counter value at that moment. The method calculates the difference between the initial and current system times (first time-calculation) and the difference between the initial and current counter values (second time-calculation). If these two values do not match, it indicates that the system clock has been altered. The counter value serves as an independent reference to validate the system clock's accuracy, ensuring that any discrepancy reveals tampering. This approach enhances system security by detecting unauthorized time modifications.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of communicating a data entry from the device to the computer, wherein the computer is configured to log the data entry with an electronic timestamp.
A system and method for data entry and logging involves a device that captures input from a user and transmits it to a computer. The computer processes the data entry and records it with an electronic timestamp, ensuring accurate time tracking. The device may include a sensor or input mechanism to detect user actions, such as pressing a button or scanning a code. The computer receives the data entry via a wired or wireless connection and logs it in a database or file, associating the entry with the exact time it was received. This system is useful in applications requiring precise time-stamped records, such as inventory management, security access logging, or timekeeping. The timestamp ensures traceability and accountability, preventing discrepancies in recorded data. The method may also include additional steps like validating the data entry before logging or encrypting the transmission for security. The system can be integrated into existing workflows to enhance data accuracy and reliability.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the device is a certified dimensioning device or multi-dimensional measuring device (MDMD).
A system and method for accurately measuring and dimensioning objects using a certified dimensioning device or multi-dimensional measuring device (MDMD). The technology addresses the need for precise, automated measurement of objects in logistics, manufacturing, and inventory management, where manual measurements are time-consuming and prone to errors. The MDMD captures three-dimensional data of an object, processes the data to determine dimensions, and outputs the measurements for use in shipping, packaging, or quality control. The device is certified to ensure compliance with industry standards, providing reliable and consistent results. The method involves positioning the object within the measurement field of the MDMD, activating the device to scan the object, and analyzing the captured data to derive accurate length, width, height, and other dimensional parameters. The system may also integrate with software to automate workflows, such as generating shipping labels or adjusting packaging based on the measured dimensions. This approach improves efficiency, reduces human error, and ensures accurate dimensional data for various applications.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein, in response to determining that the system clock has been altered, the method further comprises the step of communicating time alteration information from the computer to the device.
A system and method for detecting and communicating time alterations in a computing environment. The invention addresses the problem of unauthorized or erroneous modifications to system clocks, which can disrupt synchronization, security protocols, and time-sensitive operations. The method involves monitoring the system clock for changes and, upon detecting an alteration, transmitting time alteration information from a computer to a connected device. This ensures that the device is aware of the clock modification, allowing for corrective actions such as resynchronization or security measures. The system may also include a device that receives the time alteration information and adjusts its operations accordingly. The method ensures that time-sensitive processes remain accurate and reliable despite unauthorized or accidental clock changes. The invention is particularly useful in environments where precise timekeeping is critical, such as financial transactions, network security, and distributed computing systems.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein, in response to determining that the system clock has been altered, the method further comprises the step of preventing the device from obtaining additional data.
A method for securing a computing device involves detecting unauthorized alterations to the system clock and responding by restricting data access. The system monitors the system clock for changes that indicate tampering, such as unexpected adjustments or inconsistencies. When such alterations are detected, the device is prevented from obtaining additional data, ensuring that time-sensitive operations or security mechanisms remain reliable. This approach helps mitigate risks associated with time-based vulnerabilities, such as bypassing expiration checks or evading time-bound security policies. The method may also include verifying the integrity of the system clock against a trusted reference or external time source to confirm its accuracy. By enforcing strict controls on clock modifications, the system enhances security and prevents potential exploitation of time-related weaknesses. This technique is particularly useful in environments where accurate timekeeping is critical for security, authentication, or compliance purposes.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein, when the mismatch exists, the method further comprises the step of recording information regarding the mismatch in a time integrity log.
A system and method for detecting and recording time-related mismatches in data processing operations. The invention addresses the problem of ensuring data integrity and consistency in systems where time-sensitive operations must be synchronized or validated. The method involves comparing time-related data, such as timestamps or sequence markers, to detect discrepancies or mismatches between expected and actual values. When a mismatch is identified, the system records detailed information about the mismatch in a time integrity log. This log includes metadata such as the nature of the mismatch, the time of detection, and contextual data to facilitate troubleshooting and auditing. The recorded information enables system administrators to analyze the root cause of time-related errors, verify compliance with operational standards, and implement corrective measures. The method is particularly useful in distributed systems, financial transactions, and security applications where precise time synchronization is critical. By maintaining a comprehensive log of time integrity events, the system enhances reliability and traceability in time-sensitive operations.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mismatch is detected when the difference between the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation exceeds a predetermined threshold.
A method for detecting timing mismatches in a system involves comparing two time-calculation values to identify discrepancies. The system generates a first time-calculation based on a reference clock signal and a second time-calculation based on a secondary clock signal. The method monitors the difference between these two time-calculations and triggers a mismatch detection when the difference exceeds a predefined threshold. This threshold ensures that only significant deviations are flagged, reducing false positives. The approach is useful in applications where precise synchronization between multiple clock sources is critical, such as in communication systems, embedded devices, or distributed computing environments. By continuously comparing the two time-calculations, the method provides real-time monitoring of clock alignment, helping to maintain system reliability and performance. The predetermined threshold can be adjusted based on application requirements, allowing flexibility in sensitivity to timing errors. This method helps prevent synchronization failures that could lead to data corruption, communication errors, or system malfunctions.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: starting a loop having a predetermined time period; capturing an initial system time at the start of the loop; detecting an ending system time at the end of the loop; calculating a difference in time between the initial system time and the ending system time; determining whether the calculated difference is the same as other calculated differences for other loops having the predetermined time period; and detecting that the system clock has been altered when the calculated difference is not the same as the other calculated differences.
A method for detecting alterations to a system clock involves monitoring the consistency of time intervals to identify potential tampering. The system operates by repeatedly measuring the elapsed time within a predefined loop cycle. At the start of each loop, the current system time is recorded as the initial time, and at the end of the loop, the current system time is recorded as the ending time. The difference between these two times is calculated to determine the actual elapsed time for that loop cycle. The method then compares this calculated difference with previously recorded differences from prior loop cycles of the same predefined duration. If the calculated difference deviates from the expected or previously observed values, the system concludes that the system clock has been altered, indicating potential tampering or malfunction. This approach ensures that any unauthorized or unexpected changes to the system clock can be detected by analyzing inconsistencies in the measured time intervals. The method is particularly useful in security-sensitive applications where accurate timekeeping is critical.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: comparing a timestamp related to a particular event with a timestamp related to another event immediately preceding the particular event; and determining an alteration incident when the timestamp related to the particular event includes an earlier time than the time of the timestamp related to the other event.
This invention relates to event timestamp validation in data processing systems, specifically detecting anomalies where an event's timestamp is earlier than a preceding event's timestamp, indicating a potential alteration incident. The method involves analyzing timestamps associated with sequential events to identify inconsistencies. When a timestamp of a particular event is found to be earlier than the timestamp of the immediately preceding event, the system flags this as an alteration incident, suggesting possible data tampering or system errors. The core functionality ensures chronological integrity by validating that events are recorded in the correct temporal order. This is particularly useful in systems where event logs must be reliable, such as financial transactions, security audits, or industrial process monitoring. The method helps maintain data accuracy and trustworthiness by automatically detecting and reporting timestamp anomalies that could indicate unauthorized modifications or system malfunctions. The approach is designed to be integrated into existing event logging and monitoring frameworks, providing an additional layer of validation to enhance data reliability.
10. A non-transitory computer readable medium for storing a timestamp verifying program that determines whether a system clock of a computer has been altered, the non-transitory computer readable medium configured to allow the computer to: start a loop having a predetermined time period; capture an initial system time at the start of the loop; capture an ending system time at the end of the loop; calculate a difference in time between the initial system time and the ending system time; determine whether the calculated difference is the same as other calculated differences for other loops having the predetermined time period; and determine that the system clock has been altered when the calculated difference is not the same as the other calculated differences.
This invention relates to a method for detecting alterations to a computer's system clock by monitoring time consistency over repeated intervals. The system operates by executing a loop with a fixed predetermined time period. At the start of each loop iteration, the current system time is recorded as an initial time, and at the end of the iteration, the system time is recorded again as an ending time. The difference between the initial and ending times is calculated and compared to differences from previous loop iterations. If the calculated difference deviates from the expected value based on prior measurements, the system concludes that the system clock has been altered. This approach ensures that any unauthorized or unintended changes to the system clock, which could affect time-sensitive operations or security mechanisms, are detected. The method relies on consistent time measurements over multiple iterations to identify discrepancies that indicate tampering. The invention is implemented as a program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, enabling the computer to perform these steps automatically. This solution addresses the problem of ensuring the integrity and accuracy of system time in computing environments where time synchronization is critical.
11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , further configured to allow the computer to receive a data entry from a metrology device and log the data entry with an electronic timestamp.
A system and method for data management in industrial or scientific environments involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to receive data entries from metrology devices and log those entries with electronic timestamps. The system is designed to enhance data tracking and traceability in processes where precise measurement and time-stamped records are critical, such as manufacturing, quality control, or laboratory testing. The metrology devices may include sensors, gauges, or other instruments that measure physical properties like temperature, pressure, or dimensions. The logged data, paired with timestamps, ensures accurate documentation of when measurements were taken, supporting compliance, auditing, and process optimization. The system may also integrate with databases or reporting tools to analyze trends, validate processes, or generate compliance reports. By automating data logging with timestamps, the system reduces manual errors, improves efficiency, and ensures reliable record-keeping for regulatory or operational purposes. The solution is particularly useful in industries where traceability and data integrity are essential, such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing.
12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , further configured to allow the computer to: capture an initial system time and an initial counter value; log an event; capture a current system time when the event is logged; sample a current counter value when the event is logged; determine a first time-calculation representing a difference in time between the initial system time and the current system time; determine a second time-calculation representing a difference between the initial counter value and the current counter value; and compare the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation to determine if a mismatch exists.
This invention relates to time synchronization and event logging in computer systems, addressing discrepancies between system time and hardware counter values. The system captures an initial system time and an initial hardware counter value, then logs an event. When the event is logged, it captures the current system time and samples the current hardware counter value. The system calculates the difference between the initial and current system times (first time-calculation) and the difference between the initial and current counter values (second time-calculation). By comparing these two calculations, the system detects mismatches, indicating potential synchronization issues between the system clock and hardware counter. This ensures accurate timekeeping and event logging, which is critical for debugging, performance monitoring, and security auditing in computing environments. The method helps identify and resolve inconsistencies that could lead to incorrect timestamps or system malfunctions.
13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , further configured to allow the computer to: compare a timestamp related to a particular event with a timestamp related to another event immediately preceding the particular event; and determine an alteration incident when the timestamp related to the particular event includes an earlier time than the time of the timestamp related to the other event.
This invention relates to data integrity and event logging systems, specifically detecting anomalies in event timestamps to identify potential data tampering or system errors. The system monitors sequences of recorded events, analyzing their timestamps to ensure chronological consistency. When an event is recorded with a timestamp earlier than the preceding event, the system flags this as an alteration incident, indicating possible data manipulation or system malfunction. The invention includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions for performing these checks, ensuring that event logs maintain accurate and tamper-evident records. The system may also generate alerts or trigger corrective actions upon detecting such inconsistencies, enhancing reliability in applications like audit trails, security monitoring, or transaction logging. The solution addresses the problem of undetected timestamp anomalies, which could otherwise lead to false conclusions or security breaches in systems relying on event sequences.
14. A system comprising: a device configured to obtain information related to an event; and a computer connected to the device, wherein the computer comprises a system clock for providing a system time, and wherein the computer is configured to: capture an initial system time and an initial counter value when a device is connected to the computer, wherein the initial system time and the initial counter value are based on the system clock; receive information obtained by the device; capture a current system time and a current counter value when the information is obtained, wherein the current system time and the current counter value are based on the system clock; determine a first time-calculation representing a difference in time between the initial system time and the current system time; determine a second time-calculation representing a difference between the initial counter value and the current counter value; compare the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation to determine that a mismatch exists; and determine that the system clock has been altered based on the comparison.
The system detects tampering with a computer's system clock by monitoring discrepancies between system time and a hardware counter. The system includes a device that collects event-related data and a computer with a system clock. When the device connects, the computer records the initial system time and a hardware counter value. As the device gathers data, the computer logs the current system time and counter value. The system calculates the elapsed time from both the system clock and the counter, then compares the two. If the values differ significantly, the system identifies potential tampering with the system clock. This approach ensures data integrity by verifying that the system clock has not been altered, which is critical for applications requiring accurate timekeeping, such as security logging, financial transactions, or regulatory compliance. The hardware counter provides an independent reference to detect inconsistencies in the system clock's reported time.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the device is a certified metrology device for determining dimensions of an object and wherein the information related to the event includes at least measurements of the dimensions of the object.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and analyzing events involving certified metrology devices used to measure the dimensions of objects. The system includes a device configured to capture information related to an event, such as measurements of an object's dimensions, and a processor that analyzes this data to determine the validity or accuracy of the measurements. The system may also include a display for presenting the analyzed information, allowing users to verify the integrity of the metrology process. The device may be a certified metrology tool, such as a caliper, coordinate measuring machine (CMM), or laser scanner, ensuring that the measurements meet industry standards. The system may further include a communication module to transmit the captured data to a remote server for centralized analysis or record-keeping. The processor can apply algorithms to detect anomalies, inconsistencies, or deviations from expected values, helping to identify potential errors or tampering. The display may show real-time or historical data, including measurement trends, statistical summaries, or alerts for out-of-tolerance conditions. The system enhances quality control in manufacturing, inspection, and calibration processes by ensuring accurate and traceable dimensional measurements.
16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer further comprises a time integrity log, wherein, when the computer determines that the system clock has been altered, the computer is configured to record information regarding a concurrent event in the time integrity log.
A system for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of a computer system's clock includes a time integrity log that records information about concurrent events when the system clock is altered. The system detects unauthorized or unintended changes to the system clock, which can disrupt time-sensitive operations, security protocols, or data integrity. When such alterations are detected, the system logs relevant details about the event, such as the time of alteration, the nature of the change, and any associated processes or users. This ensures a tamper-resistant record of clock modifications, aiding in forensic analysis, compliance, and system reliability. The system may also include mechanisms to verify clock accuracy against external time sources and enforce policies to prevent or mitigate unauthorized changes. By maintaining an immutable log of clock-related events, the system enhances trust in time-dependent operations, such as transaction logging, security audits, and synchronized processes. This approach is particularly useful in environments where precise timekeeping is critical, such as financial systems, cybersecurity applications, and distributed computing networks. The logged data can be used to reconstruct events, identify anomalies, and enforce accountability for system clock modifications.
17. The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer comprises a data log configured to store the information related to the event.
A system for event monitoring and data logging in industrial or automated environments addresses the need for reliable tracking and recording of operational events. The system includes sensors or detectors that identify specific events, such as equipment malfunctions, process deviations, or environmental changes. These events trigger data collection modules that capture relevant information, including timestamps, sensor readings, and contextual data. The system processes this information to determine event significance, categorizing events based on predefined criteria. A data log within the system stores the event-related information for later retrieval, analysis, or reporting. The data log ensures data integrity and accessibility, allowing for historical review, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. The system may also include communication interfaces to transmit event data to external systems for further processing or alerts. By centralizing event data and maintaining a structured log, the system enhances operational transparency and supports decision-making in automated or industrial settings. The data log can be configured to store various types of event-related information, ensuring comprehensive documentation for compliance, maintenance, or diagnostic purposes.
18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the mismatch is detected when the difference between the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation exceeds a predetermined threshold.
A system and method for detecting timing mismatches in computer systems involves comparing two time-calculation processes to identify discrepancies. The invention addresses the problem of timing inaccuracies in distributed or multi-processor systems, where synchronization errors can lead to performance degradation or system failures. The system calculates a first time value based on a reference clock and a second time value based on an alternative timing mechanism. A mismatch is detected when the difference between these two calculations exceeds a predefined threshold, indicating a potential timing error. The system may then trigger corrective actions, such as resynchronization or error logging, to maintain system reliability. The threshold is configurable to balance sensitivity to minor timing variations against the risk of false positives. This approach ensures accurate timekeeping in environments where precise synchronization is critical, such as financial transactions, real-time data processing, or distributed computing networks. The invention improves system robustness by proactively identifying and addressing timing discrepancies before they cause operational issues.
19. The system of claim 14 , wherein the mismatch is detected when the difference between the first time-calculation and the second time-calculation exceeds a predetermined threshold.
A system for detecting timing mismatches in electronic circuits or systems involves comparing two time-calculation values to identify discrepancies. The system calculates a first time value based on a reference clock signal and a second time value based on an input signal. The system then compares these two values to determine if their difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the difference surpasses this threshold, the system detects a timing mismatch, indicating a potential issue with signal synchronization or clock accuracy. This detection mechanism helps ensure reliable operation in applications where precise timing is critical, such as digital communication systems, data processing units, or synchronization circuits. The threshold value can be adjusted based on system requirements to balance sensitivity and false-positive detection rates. The system may also include additional components for generating, processing, or analyzing the reference and input signals to enhance detection accuracy. By monitoring and flagging timing discrepancies, the system helps maintain system integrity and performance in environments where timing errors could lead to malfunctions or data corruption.
20. The system of claim 14 , wherein the computer is further configured to: start a loop having a predetermined time period; capture an initial system time at the start of the loop; detect an ending system time at the end of the loop; calculate a difference in time between the initial system time and the ending system time; determine whether the calculated difference is the same as other calculated differences for other loops having the predetermined time period; and detect that the system clock has been altered when the calculated difference is not the same as the other calculated differences.
A system monitors a computer system clock to detect alterations. The system operates by repeatedly executing a loop with a fixed time duration. At the start of each loop, the system records the current system time, and at the end, it records the system time again. The system then calculates the elapsed time by subtracting the initial time from the ending time. This process is repeated for multiple loops, and the system compares the calculated time differences across iterations. If the time difference varies significantly from previous measurements, the system identifies this as an indication that the system clock has been altered. This method helps ensure the integrity and accuracy of timekeeping in the system, which is critical for applications requiring precise timing, such as security systems, financial transactions, or event logging. The system can be integrated into any computing environment where reliable timekeeping is essential.
Unknown
January 5, 2021
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